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The 10 Best Drag Brunches in the US for Pride Month
As Pride month sweeps across the nation, vibrant and inclusive celebrations are taking center stage. Among these festivities, drag brunches have emerged as a popular way to combine entertainment, delectable cuisine, and the artistry of drag performance.
Drag brunches combine the excitement of a traditional drag show with the culinary delights of a brunch menu. They offer a unique blend of theatricality, humor, and fabulousness, creating an atmosphere where guests are treated to an extravaganza of glamour, high-energy performances, and lip-syncing extravaganzas, all accompanied by a delectable array of food and drinks.
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The combination of drag shows and brunches became popular in the 1990s, primarily in larger cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, but its roots trace back to the early 1900s. These events gained momentum as they provided a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to celebrate identity, self-expression, creativity, and gender exploration while enjoying an indulgent meal.
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Drag queens, known for their charisma and show-stopping talent, dazzle the audience with their flawless lip-syncing, jaw-dropping dance moves, and comedic brilliance during the brunch, which fosters a sense of community and celebration, encouraging guests to embrace their authentic selves and revel in the joy of diversity.
The best Drag Brunches in the US 2023
Lips (New York City, New York):
Lips, America’s largest drag chain, has been a Greenwich Village staple for over 26 years. Alongside their nightly dinner cabaret shows, they offer Broadway Brunch every weekend. Enjoy all-you-can-drink options while queens belt out show tunes. Don’t miss their Mama Mia Mozzarella Omelet or Evan Hansen Eggs Your Way. Lips also has locations in Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, and San Diego.
Nellie’s (Washington, DC):
Nellie’s, a gay sports bar, hosts a beloved drag brunch in Washington, DC. With two seatings on Saturdays and Sundays, guests can enjoy a Southern-style buffet with dishes like ribs, cheesy grits, and eggs. This all-you-can-eat brunch includes a mimosa or bloody mary, and it sets the perfect stage for dancing to the tunes of Beyonce.
Palace (Miami, Florida):
Since 1988, Palace has been an iconic Miami destination for queer nightlife and daytime drag. Their fabulous brunch, served from Friday to Monday, offers a thrilling experience. Enjoy dishes like French toast with guava glaze or crispy chicken and waffles, accompanied by bottomless mimosas. You might even spot a celebrity, as famous guests like Gianni Versace, Elton John, and Madonna have been seen here. Please note that drag shows at Palace are limited to those 18 years and older.
The Brunch Brats (Los Angeles, California):
Experience the California sunshine at The Brunch Brats, an open-air drag brunch located in Thousand Oaks. Hosted by local activist TJ Liedel, their themed brunches, such as Hollywood icons, take place every Sunday. Indulge in chilaquiles, omelets, and delicious cocktails or mocktails, all served under outdoor umbrellas. Look out for the stunning queens and their vibrant performances.
ReBar (Houston, Texas):
ReBar, a historic Houston gay bar, returned to its original Montrose neighborhood in 2019 and has become a popular drag brunch destination. Hosted by one of Houston’s funniest drag queens, Blackberri, Sunday Service Drag Brunch features other renowned Texas queens Kitty Kontour, Petty Brooks, and Mari Jane. Enjoy espresso martinis, finger foods like beignets and breakfast tacos, and an incredible show. There is a $10 entertainment fee per person included in the check.
Union Cafe (Columbus, Ohio):
Union Cafe is an iconic LGBTQ restaurant and bar in Columbus, Ohio, established in 1966. Their drag brunch on Saturdays offers a diner-style experience starting at 11 am, with friendly service and crispy bacon. Hosted by Deva Station, Miss Gay America 2018, and other local queens, the show kicks off at noon, delighting a mixed crowd of Ohio State University students and residents from the Short North Arts District.
Blend (Boston, Massachusetts):
Located in Dorchester, Blend is a welcoming LGBTQ bar and restaurant that has been a favorite since 2018. Every other Sunday, they host a drag brunch featuring strong cold brew-centric cocktails like the Reese’s, along with watermelon feta salad, steak and eggs, and a signature booze-infused French toast. Watch the queens perform while enjoying delectable dishes.
Le Moo (Louisville, Kentucky):
Le Moo, a trendy steakhouse in the heart of Louisville, hosts Kentucky’s premier drag brunch every Saturday and Sunday. For $43, guests enjoy an up-close view of the performances while indulging in an unlimited buffet with scrambled eggs, French toast, and more. The queens, including Dusty Ray Bottoms, showcase their talents with weekly themes ranging from Britney Spears to disco divas, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience every time.
Copper Blues (Phoenix, Arizona):
Copper Blues, a downtown Phoenix pub, is renowned for its Saturday Bacon and Leggs Drag Brunch. Hosted by Barbara Seville, one of Arizona’s best-known drag queens, this 21-and-over party features drink specials, brunch items like breakfast hash and eggs, and campy glamour. Get ready for giveaways, including tickets to see famous queer performers, and kick off your weekend with style.
Sona (New York City, New York):
Co-owned by actress Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Sona offers upscale Indian fare and a Saturday drag brunch. This family-friendly event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm and features host Queen Malai serving Bollywood realness. Enjoy dishes like cured gravlax with everything bagel-seasoned naan, eggs Benedict with South Indian spice hollandaise, and a South Indian-style fried chicken sandwich. A kids’ menu ensures everyone can join in the fun.
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